'Pianos for Parishes' strikes the right chord for music ministry

Published: 2004-05-10

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- Parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Louis can now pay less to tickle the ivories of some fine pianos, thanks to a new program arranged by the archdiocesan Office of Music Ministry. The program, "Pianos for Parishes," has been such a success it likely will be used as a model for parishes nationwide. "Pianos for Parishes" lets a parish acquire a piano of its choosing to try out for nine months at no cost. The piano is delivered free, and all tuning is covered while on loan. The tryout enables the parish to determine if the instrument will meet its needs and if its size and sound are appropriate for its intended space. The parish also can use the time to raise money to buy the piano. John Romeri, coordinator of the Office of Music Ministry, oversees the program. He said many parishes have either very inadequate pianos or only electronic keyboards. The "Pianos for Parishes" program came about, he said, "as a way to get a quality acoustic piano in the hands" of parishes without them.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .